UCLA Football: Week 1 performance of former Bruins in the NFL
As Week One of the NFL season came to an end yesterday, there were a number of former UCLA Football players showcasing their skills around the league. Here’s a look at a handful of NFL players who used to call The Rose Bowl their home.
Several former UCLA Football players were in action this past weekend as the NFL kickoff their 2017-18 season.
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Here is a look at how a few rookie and veteran Bruins did in their first weekend:
DE Takkarist McKinley – Atlanta Falcons
Takk enters the NFL after his superb senior year at UCLA propelled him to a first round pick. In his first game for the Falcons, McKinley didn’t see much action but recorded a tackle and an assist. He was able to show his speed and strength that made him such a wanted man on draft night.
With veterans Brooks Reed and Adrian Clayborn in front of him in the depth chart, McKinley will have to impress his coaches in his little time on the field to earn more playing time.
DT Eddie Vanderdoes – Oakland Raiders
The northern California native played well during camp and earned a starting spot on the Silver and Black’s defensive line. Against the Titans, Vanderdoes pressured Tennessee all day even if his stat line of one tackle didn’t show it. Vanderdoes should start again next week against the Jets and look to build on his strong week one start.
LB Jayon Brown – Tennesse Titans
Jayon Brown was able to do a lot with the on field action he saw on Sunday. Against a dangerous Raiders’ offense, Brown had three tackles. But like Takk McKinley, he is the third inside linebacker on his team’s depth chart.
If he continues to produce on the field, the Titans will need to find more ways to keep Brown in the game.
LB Myles Jack – Jacksonville Jaguars
After the two-way Bruins’ star injured his knee during his junior year at UCLA, the Jags took a shot with Myles Jack in the 2016 draft.
With just a limited role in his rookie year, Jack had the best game of his career in the first game of the 2017 season. Against the Texans, Jack led the Jags with eight tackles and assisted on six others. Hopefully this will be his breakout season as we all know Myles is an incredible talent. Maybe he’ll even get a few handoffs on offense.
RB Paul Perkins – New York Giants
Paul Perkins was the starting running back for the Giants in week one against the Cowboys. While his 13 yards on seven carries looked pretty bad, the Giants as a team only ran the ball a total of 11 times for 36 yards.
Unless the Giants go out and sign another running back, Perkins looks to be their number one choice for at least the next few weeks. Hopefully the Giants will find a way to utilize Perkins because what they did as a team offensively against the Cowboys was not working.
LB Eric Kendricks – Minnesota Vikings
On Monday night, Eric Kendricks was a beast on defense helping to stifle a high powered Saints’ offense. He recorded three tackles and assisted on three others.
Kendricks has been a main cog in the Vikings’ defense since being drafted recording at least three tackles in every game except two that he has played in. He turned out to be quite a second round steal.
QB Brett Hundley – Green Bay Packers
Brett Hundley continues to be the number the number two quarterback behind Aaron Rodgers. Unless Rodgers gets injured, the Bruins great will not see any time on the field.
It will be interesting to see what Hundley does after the 2018 season when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. If NFL teams continue to be in dire need of quality quarterbacks, Hundley may be able to sign a decent contract with a chance to start.
Next: Know Your Opponent: UCLA vs. Memphis
Other Notables:
Randall Goforth tore his ACL during Eagles camp and is out for the season.
Cornerback Marcus Rios made the Denver Broncos practice squad. While not on the 53 man roster, Rios is one call away from being signed to the Broncos’ active roster.